From Sticky Souls to Transformed Hearts
God’s command—from the glorious clouds overshadowing the Transfiguration of Jesus in the gospels—reminds us: when we listen and do whatever the Son of God says he will lead us from barrenness due to selfish living into righteous fruit-producing living for the glory of God. Self cannot satisfy self. We must hunger for God.
This is basically our journey for Lent, because sinful attitudes and actions try to stick to our souls and destroy our Life with God. Jesus wants us to produce righteous fruit that bring glory to our King’s rule and reign.
“There is no one-size-fits-all crucifixion. Jesus said each one of us must pick up our own cross, and pick it up each day. For some, martyrdom might be fame. For some, martyrdom might be anonymity. Regardless of what it is, first followers ask daily, “Lord what is my cross today, and where shall I carry it?” —Leonard Sweet
Day 24: Fasting Self-Direction
I’m sure the disciples had no idea why Jesus told them they would desert him, because they believed they would remain loyal to him. But Jesus knows all things; he knows we all must experience the transitioning of our sinful nature to become spiritually mature. Transforming our hearts is the goal of Father God.
Following his teaching to the disciples about abiding in the Vine and the impartation of the Holy Spirit, Jesus make the announcement that he is going away. Therefore, he promises to leave them with heavenly peace of mind and heart (Jo 14:27). Then, Jesus tells the disciples, “Come [Gk. egeiro; a command that means ‘arise’ or “come to life”] let’s be going [from here]” (Jo 14:31). Jesus was telling the disciples they had a transition awaiting them; a shift of direction for their lives. Jesus was heading to the cross…his disciples were heading to a cross, too.
Jesus gave his life as a redemption sacrifice for our sin; he died in our place so we could be reconciled with Father God. However, we will have to pick up our cross of self-denial to deal with our sinful nature. We must deny ourselves, pick up our cross daily, and follow wherever Jesus leads us (Luke 9:23).
To deny [Gk.translated from aparneomai] ourselves means to “claim no knowledge or relationship to.” It’s also the word used in Scripture for what Peter did when asked if he knew Jesus. So, in life we either deny ourselves or we deny Jesus. A choice of leadership must be made and our souls are sticky with selfish desires.
The high priest and temple guards denied Jesus as a leader, so they took measures to silence him. There is no middle ground for us either. We will deny self or Jesus. So, today we fast self-direction—the cross is about committing to the leadership of Christ.
John 18:19-24 NLT The High Priest Questions Jesus
19 Inside, the high priest began asking Jesus about his followers and what he had been teaching them. 20 Jesus replied, “Everyone knows what I teach. I have preached regularly in the synagogues and the Temple, where the people gather. I have not spoken in secret. 21 Why are you asking me this question? Ask those who heard me. They know what I said.”
22 Then one of the Temple guards standing nearby slapped Jesus across the face. “Is that the way to answer the high priest?” he demanded.
23 Jesus replied, “If I said anything wrong, you must prove it. But if I’m speaking the truth, why are you beating me?”
24 Then Annas bound Jesus and sent him to Caiaphas, the high priest.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for taking us on this transformation journey where we are learning more about the power of denying ourselves and releasing the leadership of our lives to you. Holy Spirit, please help us every day to deny our selfish tendencies by choosing to live the Truth. In Jesus’ name. Amen.